If you have patients at home who are either elderly or bed-ridden most of the times, you need a good mattress for them so that they can recover quickly. And what can be better than buying a hospital bed mattress for them!
While the name- hospital bed mattress– itself sounds pretty safe for a patient’s use, there are various nuances attached to selecting one. You have to make sure that it is the right type, the right size, right material, and, most importantly, safe for the patient’s use.
Here are some pointers that will help you select a hospital mattress for your loved ones.
- Type of mattress
- If you are looking for an affordable option, innerspring mattresses are readily available and inexpensive. They should be preferred for patients who are not confined to bed all the time and are quite mobile.
- Foam mattresses too, make an excellent choice for hospital mattresses as they conform to the body shape of the patients and make them feel like they are in a cradle. You can invest in varied sizes and densities according to the patient’s liking.
- Low air loss mattresses work well for patients who are at a slight risk of developing bedsores because of major confinement to bed. They distribute pressure and the air keeps the patient’s body from contacting moisture.
- For the ones looking for mattresses which are a notch advanced than low air-loss mattresses, there are alternating pressure mattresses that allow the air to circulate within. They can be pretty expensive but are perfect for the patients who are at a high risk of developing bedsores and pressure ulcers on the skin. Alternating pressure mattresses allow better blood circulation and keep patients cool.
- Size of the Patient
If the patient is tall, you need a full-size mattress. However, you can manage with a medium sized one if the patient is not too tall or is a kid. Obese patients tend to be bigger, so choose only bariatric mattresses for them.
- Cleanliness Needs
For patients who are unable to contain their bodily fluids, you need a hospital bed mattress that is easier to clean. Preferably, use a hospital bed mattress topper that is antimicrobial and water-resistant. This way, the fabric or the mattress will not absorb any fluids and retain any bacteria, saving patients from further infections.
- Durability
Before buying the mattress, check whether there is a warranty attached to its durability and the mattress thickness. The greater the warranty, the higher are the chances of the mattress being durable as warranty shows the brand’s trust in their product. Plus, you can top the mattress with a hospital bed mattress topper to protect it against stains to keep the warranty intact.
- Condition of the Patient
If the patient is bed-ridden for the significant part of the day, or not mobile at all, he/she is at a very high risk of developing skin ulcers. Therefore, you need an alternating pressure hospital mattress from them. Whereas, if the risk is low and the patient is partially mobile, you can opt for a memory foam mattress or a low air-loss mattress.
In the end, it is the medical condition, vulnerability, size, and requirements of the patient that should determine the purchase. Also, make sure that the one you choose is built to last.
